HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN DESERT JUST 15 MILES FROM NANCY GUTHRIE’S HOME — BUT SHERIFF SAYS NO LINK TO CASE
HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN DESERT JUST 15 MILES FROM NANCY GUTHRIE’S HOME — BUT SHERIFF SAYS NO LINK TO CASE
TUCSON, ARIZONA — Human remains discovered in a remote desert area roughly 15 miles from the home of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie have triggered fresh attention in the long-running investigation into her disappearance.
But authorities are urging the public not to assume the discovery is connected to Guthrie’s case.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Monday that search-and-rescue deputies responded to reports of human remains near West Ajo Way and South La Cholla Boulevard.
At this time, officials say there is no indication the remains are connected to the investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance.
REMAINS APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN THERE FOR SOME TIME
Investigators said the remains appeared to have been at the location for an extended period.
Deputies were seen responding to the desert area, including a hillside covered with saguaros overlooking a major roadway.
The sheriff’s department has not publicly explained who discovered the remains or exactly when they were found. Officials also have not released an identity or additional information about the person whose remains were discovered.
That uncertainty means the discovery cannot currently be treated as evidence that Guthrie has been found.
NANCY GUTHRIE HAS BEEN MISSING FOR MONTHS
Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Tucson-area home on February 1.
Authorities have treated the disappearance as a criminal investigation and have said they believe she was taken from her home against her will.
Her disappearance has remained unresolved for months, with investigators continuing to examine physical and forensic evidence.
The sheriff’s department has also released ransom-note material and appealed to the public for information that could help identify whoever may be responsible.
WHY THE DISCOVERY IS GETTING SO MUCH ATTENTION
The location of the remains naturally raises questions because of its proximity to Guthrie’s home.
But investigators are drawing an important line between proximity and evidence.
There is currently no public information establishing that the remains belong to Nancy Guthrie, nor has law enforcement announced a connection between the discovery and the kidnapping investigation.
Until identification and forensic testing are completed, any claim that Guthrie has been found would be premature.
THE SEARCH FOR ANSWERS CONTINUES
For Guthrie’s family, the discovery is another development in a case that has brought months of uncertainty.
Authorities continue to investigate her disappearance while urging the public to provide information that could help determine what happened to her.
For now, investigators are treating the newly discovered remains as a separate matter unless evidence establishes otherwise.
Human remains have been found only miles from where Nancy Guthrie disappeared. But despite the shocking proximity, authorities say there is currently no evidence connecting the discovery to her case.
